Parents need mentors, too!
Our Parent Aide program matches trained volunteer mentors with parents of young children to support them in creating safer homes and healthier relationships. In an effort to prevent child abuse/neglect, Parent Aide Mentors provide support at a critical time to parents who are overwhelmed and lack the coping skills, problem-solving skills or social support necessary to ensure a safe a healthy home for their family. In brief, a volunteer mentor is matched with a family who due to their circumstances is at a greater risk for child abuse/neglect. Through regular in-home visits with the family (1-2 hours, weekly for a minimum of 6 months), the mentor develops a supportive relationship with families to build effective parenting, problem-solving, coping, and communication skills - reducing stress and increasing child safety. Time spent with the family includes recreational and educational activities, sharing of resources/information, listening to concerns, and modeling positive relationships and effective communication.
Parent Aide Mentors must:
* Be 21 years of age or older
* Pass an FBI and FDLE screening/background check
* Present proof of driver's license and auto liability insurance
* Complete a Volunteer Application and provide 3 references
* Complete an in-home interview
* Satisfactorily complete a 2-day Initial Training (12 hours)
* Be willing to make a minimum 6 month commitment to work with a family once matched
Mentors also receive ongoing supervision (min. of 1 hr, 1x/month) and support in their role from the Parent Aide Mentoring Supervisor. Monthly supervision meetings are held at our office in West Palm Beach on a week day. Mentors are responsible for turning in a monthly progress note (form will be provided). There is an application, screening and training process mandatory for all Parent Aide Mentors.
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